Gov. Simon Lalong has awarded scholarship to all Plateau indigenes that graduated with first class honours degrees.

Lalong announced this on Saturday at the inauguration of e-library/ICT Centre built by Gindiri Old Students Association (GOSA).

The governor said that the first class graduates would be given scholarship to study up to PhD level.

“I have asked the deputy governor to work the modalities and soon it will commence,’’ he said.

Lalong also announced that the state government would pay grants owed voluntary agency schools in the state.

He said that globally, education is the bedrock of any society and that was why his administration on assumption of office deliberately placed education on the front burner.

“It is in line with this commitment that I have already directed the resuscitation of grants to all voluntary agency schools in the state which seized to be released for the past 16 years.

“All the accumulated amount will soon be cleared in order to give these schools some lifeline,’’ he said.

Lalong stated that the inauguration of an e-library and ICT Centre named after the first Principal of Girls High School, (GHS), Gindiri, constructed by GOSA was indeed a landmark event.

The governor said that the event was worthy of emulation by the alumni of all the voluntary agency schools and public schools in the state as a way of paying back their alma maters for making them who they are today in the society.

He urged all alumni associations to borrow a leaf from GOSA in this regard.

“As a matter of fact, when we give back to the society, our alma mater for that matter, it is synonymous with the biblical injunction of paying tithe,” implored.

Lalong commended Gindiri Compound Schools for producing quality manpower over the years.

He said that he had come across so many products of the Gindiri schools, who were shaping the society positively in the state, nationally and internationally.

“Interestingly, one of them is my able deputy, His Excellency, Prof. Sonni Tyoden, a Political Science Professor of International repute,’’ the governor said.

Prof. Rotgak Gofwen, GOSA President said that the project could be summarised as an initiative conceived with a vision to reposition the schools.

Gofwen said that the design of the complex is a 300-seating capacity e-library/ICT facility.

According to him, the aim is to equip students with a lifelong exposure and basic skill in Information Communication Technology.

“Structurally provided are two computer laboratories, a reception hall for reading, binding/repairs unit,’’ he explained.

Dr Sam Oloruntoba, Chairman of the occasion and a former student of the school said that the project was to create an impact on present generation and generations to come.

The library was named after the first Principal of the school, Mrs Bridget Williams.

Present at event were: Prof. Ochakpa Onazi, a member of the first set of the school, who graduated about 66 years ago.

Others were: Mrs Gimbia Dogara, wife of the Speaker, House of Representatives, who graduated in 1990.

The e-library/ICT Centre inauguration was part of activities marking 60 years anniversary of the Girls High School, Gindiri.